Longwood Gardens in East Marlborough, a splendid environmental experience spanning over 1,100 acres, showcases the finest of horticultural expertise. This living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont features intricate fountains, stunning architecture, and a beautiful array of garden plants at its center.
Students in grades pre-K-12 and college students can enjoy a leisurely walk through the colorful conservatory flowers, take part in garden learning labs or exclusive educational programs, and learn more about the garden’s legacy of plant preservation and conservation. Longwood Gardens’ mission to inspire and connect people with the beauty of nature calls for students of all backgrounds to enhance their learning experience. Asking questions and making close observations is highly recommended, and students seeking a deeper understanding can learn about Longwood Gardens’ 2030 strategic plan and its horticultural commitment.
Student Activities to Keep an Eye out For
Longwood Gardens has a wide variety of valuable student opportunities and experiences for all ages. Here are some key highlights to know before planning a visit.
• Tailored Experience: Longwood Gardens has an extensive educational program tailored to specific grade levels. Pre-K students can enjoy in-classroom activities and garden adventures. K-5 students can take educator-led and self-guided field trips. Grades 6-8 experience a middle-grade program with pre- and post-activities. Grades 9-12 can expect unique opportunities designed to educate and help them succeed.
• Youth Workshops: For students aged 9-14, connecting art with nature is made easy with the many workshop opportunities offered by Longwood Gardens. Join these artistically driven events led by expert instructors.
• Online Learning: Learning about floral beauty doesn’t stop at the field. For students interested in developing professional horticulture or botanical art skills, online educational experiences provide just that. Dive into the many virtual programs, webinars, online classes, or virtual member activities available to anyone looking to grow.
• Green Careers Exploration Day: Discover the many career opportunities within a public garden through a three-hour, experimental career program offered to students in grades 9-12. Learn about the pathways a horticultural expert can have while experiencing an interactive
• Youth Community Resources: Longwood Gardens makes it easy to find connection and fellowship with peers. Students can join youth group visits, library membership programs, and scout programs to discover and grow side by side with those who share their interests and passions.
• Student Internships: College students can take the next step in garden skill development by applying for specialized, ten-week or year-long internship programs. Open to any student legally able to work in the United States, opportunities range from arboriculture and plant healthcare to design and communications to land stewardship.
• Professional Horticulture Program: For plant lovers and garden enthusiasts, Longwood Gardens provides an exclusive horticulture program that expands knowledge on the industry and teaches vital professional greenhouse skills. Be on the lookout for information about exciting career prospects.
Educator-guided field trips are offered in the morning and afternoon from September–November and March–June. Groups must include at least 15 students to receive free admission, and one complimentary adult chaperone is provided for every 10 students, with additional admissions available for teachers, school nurses, paraprofessionals, and bus drivers. Longwood Gardens also offers self-guided tour options, making a trip easier to tailor to specific group needs. Visit today and experience a garden of a lifetime.
